S.O.D. "Will It Go Round in Circles" by Billy Preston

6/25/2015      Upon it's release, this 1973 funk-soul release went straight to #1 and stayed there for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.  Preston's collaboration with songwriter, record producer and playwright Bruce Fisher proved to be a profitable one as they wrote a few #1 hits together including "Nothing from Nothing" and "You Are So Beautiful," which Joe Cocker made famous.  

     Preston was a pianist and organist and during the 60s was known as one of the top session musicians sitting in with top artists such as Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Little Richard and the Beatles.  After the Beatles' breakup, Preston continued performing with George Harrison and was a part of many Rolling Stones albums and tours during the 70s.   He was considered a child prodigy on piano and by age 10 was playing on stage backing popular gospel singers. At age 16 in 1962 he joined Little Richard's band as an organist and while playing in Hamburg, met the Beatles.  One year later he played organ on Sam Cooke's album Night Beat and released his first debut album, "16 Yr Old Soul" for Cooke's record label.  

     Preston is one of a handful of musicians sometimes referred to as the fifth Beatle.  He may deserve this title more than the others as he is the only musician to be credited on an official Beatles release which occurred in 1969 on the "Get Back" single.  On January 30, 1969 he accompanied the Beatles during their roof top performance in London which was the groups last public appearance.  He also appeared in the 1978 film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as Sgt. Pepper.  Please read on about Billy Preston, it's worth it.